Safety Systems at SMRT’s Oldest MRT Depots To Receive Modernisation, Upgrading Works

The fifth generation MRT train for the North-South and East-West MRT lines. (Photo: SGTrains File)

The Bishan and Ulu Pandan MRT depots — SMRT’s two oldest MRT depots — along the North-South, East-West MRT lines (NSEWL) will soon be receiving modernisation and upgrading works to its safety systems of the depot signalling equipment.

French company Thales is currently the signalling system supplier for the NSEWL, where it had upgraded and commissioned the new Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system for both MRT lines in 2017 and 2018.

Thales will Digitalise Depot Signalling Equipment for Singapore’s Oldest MRT Lines

Latest Generation of Advanced Interlocking Solution

Image: Thales

French signalling system supplier Thales last Friday (Dec 22) inked a new contract with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for the digitalisation of two depots along the NSEWL.

The contract covers the implementation of the supplier’s latest generation of advanced interlocking solution to modernise the Bishan and Ulu Pandan MRT depots.

“The purpose of interlocking is to provide trains with safe routes and keep them a safe distance apart so there is no risk of collision,” Thales outlined in a 2022 publication.

The supplier added that the interlocking system “acts like a brain, verifying instructions and orchestrating the operation of signals, points, level crossings and other critical assets”.

In close collaboration with LTA and SMRT, Thales will be carrying out the works “safely and meticulously, without impacting daily operations in the depots”.

Other Partnerships between Thales and SMRT Trains

In February 2022, Thales and SMRT Trains signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate and leverage digital technologies such as data analytics to deliver reliable and sustainable journeys through rail maintenance and operations enhancements.

Thales and SMRT Trains launched the ‘Green CBTC’ initiative in September 2022 with the aim of targeting a 15 per cent reduction in traction powering of trains, increasing the energy efficiency of passenger rides on NSEWL.

In November 2022, Thales and SMRT Trains established a local signalling facility within Bishan Depot to repair critical electronic cards for the signalling systems used on NSEWL and will also jointly develop an intelligent rail analytics platform.

Check Out Other Related Posts

Thales and SMRT Trains Sign MOU for Future Digital Collaborations to Enhance Rail Reliability

North-South, East-West MRT Lines: Completion of 11-Year Core Systems Renewal Programme

How Could a Safety Feature Delay Train Services for 60 Minutes?

Related Links
Signalling Systems – SGTrains
North-South Line – SGTrains
East-West Line – SGTrains

External Links
Thales will digitalise depot signalling equipment for Singapore’s oldest MRT lines (North-South and East-West) – Thales Group [Accessed 29 Dec 2023]
Railway interlocking goes digital – Thales Group [Accessed 29 Dec 2023]
Thales and SMRT Trains to Leverage Digital Technologies to enhance Singapore commuters’ journey – Thales Group [Accessed 29 Dec 2023]
Thales and SMRT Trains partner on next-generation rail signalling technologies for greener rides in Singapore – Thales Group [Accessed 29 Dec 2023]
Thales and SMRT Trains to enhance reliability and sustainability of Singapore metro lines – Thales Group [Accessed 29 Dec 2023]

Images: SGTrains File, Thales.
This article first appeared on SGTrains.